NOTE 1: Many of the more experienced members will be familiar with the majority of information in this article. This is geard toward those who may not have heard these terms before.

NOTE 2: While it is possible and rather common for an individual to be more than a single somatotype, such as Endo-Meso or Meso-Ecto, describing these combinations would be too lengthy an undertaking. This article will discuss only the three main somatotypes.

Somatotypes or somatotyping is the act of classifying human physique according to genetic tendency and was developed in the 1930’s by Dr. William H. Sheldon, a Harvard Professor. Being a psychologist it was originally Sheldon’s intent to discover how body types related to temperaments such as introversion and extroversion. The method he created for categorizing body types is the method we still use today.

Sheldon determined that there were three (3) distinct body types:

The Endomorph: Typically characterized by round body type. Endomorphs tend to look chubby, have a soft appearance, and carry more fat around the waistline. The soft appearance is due to higher body fat which hides the muscle shape. Endomorphs are the opposite of ectomorphs.

The Mesomorph: Characterized by a muscular body type. Mesomorphs tend to be muscular. They have large bones and solid joints. They often have well developed calves and forearms.

The Ectomorph: The Classic Ectomorph will exhibit a linear body type. Ectomorphs tend to look delicate. They are slender, generally have narrow shoulders, and have low body fat. Because of this, muscles may appear more developed than they actually are, as the shape of the muscle is not hidden by a large layer of fat.

The Endomorph

If you are an endomorph you are naturally:- Medium to large boned- Rounded in body shape (tending to apple or pear shaped)- Strong, but often lacking energy- Prone to gaining fat easily- Prone to losing weight slowly- Prone to appearing thick waisted

Most people who train with dedication and intensity but still struggle to lose body fat have an endomorphic body type. If you're an endomorph and you mess up on your diet, the surplus calories are almost certain to go to fat. Even when you're in a caloric deficit, it seems like the fat goes down at a painfully slow rate.

Of all the three body types, the Endomoph body type may seem the least desirable one to have if fat loss and a long, lithe physique is the end goal. Endomorphic individuals are perfectly suited to strength sports such as powerlifting or strong man activities, however weight loss and a lean appearance are not outside reason.

Endomorphic individuals possess the gift of being able to develop lean mass with relative ease compared to an Ectomorph. Since skeletal muscle is the only metabolically active tissue in the body the Endomorph need simply embrace their gift for muscularity, follow a few simple diet techniques and they can find losing body fat is not a losing battle.

Metabolic characteristics of the EndomorphEndomorphs are the opposite of ectomorphs on the thyroid spectrum. Endomorphs’ thyroids tend to be hypoactive (slower working). They need to eat significantly less than Ectomorphs to maintain their weight.

From a metabolic perspective, the Endomorph body type sometimes has varying degrees of carbohydrate sensitivity and insulin resistance. Pay close attention, because this is an important point. If someone is metabolically carbohydrate intolerant due to a genetic tendency, then high carbohydrate diets are not the preferred choice for fat loss goals as they will stimulate excess secretion of insulin and glucose will be partitioned into the fat cells more easily.

A nutrition strategy for the carb intolerant Endomorph then is to immediately clip the processed and refined carbs from the diet, particularly white sugar and white flour products. These concentrated carbs will convert to body fat more rapidly in Endomorphs. The best solution for the Endomorph body type is a moderate carb diet as baseline, for example a 40-40-20 split of protein, carbs and fat. For those particularly carb sensitive, taking the dietary fats up to 30% may be even better, producing a 40-30-30 macronutrient split.

From the baseline diet, the Endomorph must carefully watch body composition results and adjust the carbohydrate intake according to the results. For some Endo's a further drop in carbs may be called for and in the extreme cases a small handful of them may find they are best of with a traditional ketogenic diet which is even lower in carbs and higher in fat.

Diet Tips for Endomorphs:- EAT BREAKFAST! Don't be lazy. Eating breakfast within an hour of waking up forces the already sluggish Endomorphic metabolism into motion. Complex carbs, unsaturated fats and protein foods are important for a balanced energy packed breakfast.

- Eat at 2 1/2 - 3 hour intervals throughout the day (3 meals and 2-3 snacks in total), making sure that your snacks are healthy choices of whole fruits and protein foods such as raw nuts, protein shakes and protein bars.

- Hydration and fiber-intake are top priorities. Drinking water helps to transport the flow of nutrients and flush out the waste products. Make it a point to drink around 2 liters a day. Dehydration often presents itself as hunger pangs. If you get hungry, try a glass of water first and give it time to reach your stomach. This may be all you need.

- Carbohydrates such as green vegetables, cabbage, oat meal, salad lettuce and berries. Don’t avoid carbohydrates, but reduce the intake of carbohydrates. While carbs give you energy, the endomorphic somatotype tends to hang onto carbs and store them as fat. Eat slow absorbing carbohydrates. Slow absorbing carbohydrates include brown rice, grains, fruits, vegetables, oatmeal, whole wheat bread, sweet potatoes, cereals which are not loaded with sugar, whole wheat pasta, and bagels. Also following the glycemic index for carb choices can be an excellent idea.

Remember: Your somatotype is totally unforgiving with any intake of fatty or sugary junk food. No simple carb snacks! The same holds true for deep fried foods. Wean yourself onto high protein foods and complex carbs instead. Protein foods are the endomorph's friend. It's great for long term energy, muscle and tissue repair and growth and resistance to illness. Eat most of your (mainly complex) carbs in the first 1/2 of the day when you need energy and cut them right back in the evenings while increasing your lean protein foods.

Fat burners, while never considered a frontline method for weight loss or maintenance, are often beneficial to Endomorphic individuals.

Training Tips for EndomorphsTo lose fat and build muscle an endomorph should follow workout programs that include both weightlifting as well as cardio.

Weight lifting workouts should be low to moderate weight workouts with a high number of repetitions per set. The Endo builds muscle easily so the focus should always be on calorie burning and muscle shaping.

Short rests of 30-60 seconds between sets are highly recommended for the Endomorphic individual. For the Endomorph maintaining an elevated heart rate throughout the workout is essential for fat loss. Slowing down or resting too long will cause the Endo to lose the benefits of the weight lifting workouts. Consider circuit training and supersets.

The Mesomorph

The most notable characteristic for the Mesomorphic Somatotype is the ability to burn fat and build lean mass with equal ease. Ironically this ability to rapidly change body composition often leads to complacency on the part of mesomorphic individuals.

The Mesomorph prone to visible muscularity and can alter their body composition with only minor effort in exercise and diet. Mesomorphs tend to be successful at most sports, the exception generally being endurance sports. Mesomorphs are the most genetically predisposed body type for the sport of bodybuilding however they can still pack on enough muscle to participate in powerlifting events and lean up enough to make a go at endurance events.

If you are a mesomorph you are naturally:- Well proportioned- Muscular- Strong- Prone to having a highly efficient metabolism - Highly responsive to any type of workout routines

Fat Loss Diet for a MesomorphMesomorphic individuals need little help when it comes to changing their body composition. Ordinarily this can be done by simply cutting back on needless carbs, increasing protein and upping activity, however here are some tips that can help speed the process.

It is best to have 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day, but since the Mesomorph’s body is less sensitive to peaks and troughs than the Ectomorph and endomorph this becomes less essential.

Avoid the obvious pitfalls of processed carbs and deep fried foods.

Never Skip Breakfast. Be sure to eat within an hour of rising each morning. Complex carbs, unsaturated fats and protein foods are important for a balanced energy packed breakfast.

Snacks must be healthy choices of whole fruits and protein foods such as raw nuts, protein shakes and protein bars. Generally speaking, Meso’s have no need to cut back their complex carb intake in the evening meal because of their highly efficient metabolism.

A total body workout routine 3 times a week that changes every 2 to 3 months is ideal for a slender and shapely female mesomorph figure.

A male Mesomorph looking for a muscular body shape gets best results from heavy weights with few reps. Multi joint exercises such as squats and bench press are made for the Meso body type and are essential for a total body workout routine.

Whether a male or female mesomorph, it is essential to minimize rest between sets and repetitions to around 30 seconds and no more than a minute to maximize muscle development.

The Ectomorph

If you are an Ectomorph (aka Hard Gainer) you are naturally:- Fine boned - Long limbed- Narrow-waisted- Weak and Skinny- Unlikely to gain muscle easily or in larger quantities

As a rule the Ectomorph presents as an individual with extreme difficulty developing muscle though they often appear “muscular” due to the difficulty the Ecto has in creating and storing bodyfat. In many cases this can be attributed to a hyperactive (faster working) thyroid. For this reason, Ecto’s have to eat a lot of calories to maintain their weight which can make gaining weight, even a pound or two, a monumental task if not tackled properly.

Diet Tips for the EctomorphIn order to gain weight, Ectomorph’s have to take in many more calories than other body types. Otherwise, their fast metabolism causes them to burn off any muscle gains. Ectomorphs benefit from diets high in carbohydrates, proteins and moderate in fat. The intake of carbohydrates in proportion to protein should be approximately 1:2 in ratio.

The Ectomorph may have to eat substantially more than they are comfortable with – this changes as the body adapts and begins to absorb all of the extra food.

To put on muscle fast, the Ectomorph should take in anywhere from .75 grams to 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight. The ectomorph's composition is naturally lean, and they therefore need more protein per pound than endomorphs in order to maintain their muscle-mass.

The Ectomorph desiring to gain muscle-mass also requires extra protein for the muscle's building blocks. For ectomorphs wishing to pack on muscle, both protein and creatine supplements are highly recommended.

The tricky spot for the Ectomorph is understanding that simply because they can eat a bucket of fried chicken they shouldn’t. It is not impossible for an ectomorph to gain fat, it is simply difficult. Hiding what muscle an Ecto does have under a blanket of fat will only compound their physique issues.

Eat breakfast every day. Make no exceptions. A large breakfast will go a long way toward feeing the Ecto’s naturally fast metabolism while still leaving some nutrients to grow with.

Eat every two, to 2-1/2 hours. This will enable the Ecto to ingest enough calories throughout the course of the day to overwhelm the caloric needs of their speedy metabolism and fuel their bodies attempt at growth.

Do not be afraid to graze. With the metabolic rate most Ecto’s possess it may be necessary to snack between meals. This is acceptable provided the snack foods aren’t fried or heavily processed snacks like chips or cookies.

A hard gainer should eat a high carb diet. Focus on the complex carbs that provide long term energy to fuel the Ecto’s naturally fast metabolism - keep simple carbs to a minimum. Wholegrain breads, oats, pastas, rice and polenta are excellent choices.

Keep peanut butter or raw nuts or fruit or protein bars or protein shakes handy for healthy, energy packed fast food.Hydration is especially important for Ectomorphs due to their high metabolism. 2 to 3 liters of water daily are essential when working out strenuously.

Workout Tips for EctomorphsTrain heavy, but not long or often. No more than 1 hour in the gym 3 times a week is how to build muscle fast. Training for extended durations will bite into the fuel needed for muscle growth and could actually cause the Ectomorph to burn off lean mass.

Avoid lengthy cardio sessions. Overdoing cardio can be highly detrimental to the Ectomorphs quest to gain weight/muscle.Ectomorph training should be heavy and they should focus on gaining muscle mass. They should do lot of power movements and take more calories than they are used to.

Most trainers and experts will recommend a combination of two to three exercises per body part, consisting of 3-4 sets of each, with 6-10 repetitions for maximum and lasting effect.

Opt for heavy-weight workouts where all the muscles are used and exercised. Multi joint exercises such as squats, bench press and bent-over rows are essential for a total body workout routine.

_________________I have flying monkeys and I'm not afraid to use them!

Listen here sonny, there aint no disaster. There aint no shame in bein' beaten by a master!~ Johnny Lang - Rack 'em up

I think I am the third one. How would this affect someone who is in starvation mode? As I told you before I only take in about 700 calories a day. This started after I had my first kid. I think my hormones and body chemistry just changed. Pre first kid I never was more than 100 pounds or a size 0. 12 inches between my hips and wait. Very lean. So I am going with that body type.But now after my kid/kids I am about 220. Oh Im 5ft 7 in tall btw. My docs didn't beleive me at first but because I kept a journal and they tested my hormones levels and other stuff they believed me. So do you have helpfull info?How do you fix this. I mea I get full off a cup of coffee....how is that possible???? :(

_________________*AnnaV*

Mon Oct 25, 2010 2:02 am

CanadianArmyGuy

Global Moderator

Joined: 10.2010Posts: 1093Location: In the bushes, with the binoculars Gender:Highscores:1

Re: Somatotypes: Understanding your body type...

That was an awesome and extremely informative post, thank you!

However,

I'm still going to refer to myself as short, somewhat stubby and ugly.

_________________Upon being asked what his greatest accomplishment so far this year has been:

Cheeky Monkey wrote:

i have recently become two hamburgers

"Guns!"

Mon Oct 25, 2010 4:34 am

Freda

Global Moderator

Joined: 10.2010Posts: 2097Gender:

Re: Somatotypes: Understanding your body type...

I am an apple or pumpkin as you will!

Tend to work on changing shape after christmas, maybe a slightly smaller round shape.

I am always in shape. Round is a shape!

_________________I stopped fighting my inner demons! We're on the same side now!

Mon Oct 25, 2010 5:29 am

CanadianArmyGuy

Global Moderator

Joined: 10.2010Posts: 1093Location: In the bushes, with the binoculars Gender:Highscores:1

Re: Somatotypes: Understanding your body type...

F-Bomb wrote:

I am always in shape. Round is a shape!

I got my Dad a t shirt that says that. Though I preferred the one that said "I have the body of a God, Buddha's a God."

Him and I thought it was hilarious, he especially likes to wear it out on Sundays to offend the Church goers.

_________________Upon being asked what his greatest accomplishment so far this year has been:

I think I am the third one. How would this affect someone who is in starvation mode? As I told you before I only take in about 700 calories a day. This started after I had my first kid. I think my hormones and body chemistry just changed. Pre first kid I never was more than 100 pounds or a size 0. 12 inches between my hips and wait. Very lean. So I am going with that body type.But now after my kid/kids I am about 220. Oh Im 5ft 7 in tall btw. My docs didn't beleive me at first but because I kept a journal and they tested my hormones levels and other stuff they believed me. So do you have helpfull info?How do you fix this. I mea I get full off a cup of coffee....how is that possible???? :(

Its absolutely possible. At some time in the past you stopped eating much. That usually occurs right after kids are born when time is at a premium and there are so many other things going on that often women put off eating to tend to "more important" things. This causes the stomach to shrink, the metabolism to shut down and the body to feed off of lean mass - making you "fatter" by percentage. Along with that, muscle is the only metabolically active tissue in the body, the more you have, the more calories you burn even sleeping! The less you have the less efficiently you digest, the slower your metabolic rate becomes and the less you WANT to eat... its a vicious circle. BUT its fixable if you're willing to try...

_________________I have flying monkeys and I'm not afraid to use them!

Listen here sonny, there aint no disaster. There aint no shame in bein' beaten by a master!~ Johnny Lang - Rack 'em up

I think I am the third one. How would this affect someone who is in starvation mode? As I told you before I only take in about 700 calories a day. This started after I had my first kid. I think my hormones and body chemistry just changed. Pre first kid I never was more than 100 pounds or a size 0. 12 inches between my hips and wait. Very lean. So I am going with that body type.But now after my kid/kids I am about 220. Oh Im 5ft 7 in tall btw. My docs didn't beleive me at first but because I kept a journal and they tested my hormones levels and other stuff they believed me. So do you have helpfull info?How do you fix this. I mea I get full off a cup of coffee....how is that possible???? :(

Its absolutely possible. At some time in the past you stopped eating much. That usually occurs right after kids are born when time is at a premium and there are so many other things going on that often women put off eating to tend to "more important" things. This causes the stomach to shrink, the metabolism to shut down and the body to feed off of lean mass - making you "fatter" by percentage. Along with that, muscle is the only metabolically active tissue in the body, the more you have, the more calories you burn even sleeping! The less you have the less efficiently you digest, the slower your metabolic rate becomes and the less you WANT to eat... its a vicious circle. BUT its fixable if you're willing to try...

Yea I definatly want to fix this Im just afraid i won't be able to right now...as you have probably guessed by finances are not what they should be so therefore lack of money i can spend on MY food. I make sure the other members in the family, like the kids have food, and that pretty much takes the whole budget. So i am hoping one day.

Yea I definatly want to fix this Im just afraid i won't be able to right now...as you have probably guessed by finances are not what they should be so therefore lack of money i can spend on MY food. I make sure the other members in the family, like the kids have food, and that pretty much takes the whole budget. So i am hoping one day.

It doesnt cost all that much to be honest. You could do a LOT with some cottage cheese singles, some lettuce and some sunflower seeds. Eating that twice a day with what you NORMALLY eat would make such a huge difference. But don't get me wrong, I get the no money thing FAR BETTER than I'd care to admit!

Basically from where you are calorically ANYTHING would be a step up. What do your kids eat? Maybe that stuff would work for you as well?

_________________I have flying monkeys and I'm not afraid to use them!

Listen here sonny, there aint no disaster. There aint no shame in bein' beaten by a master!~ Johnny Lang - Rack 'em up

Yea I definatly want to fix this Im just afraid i won't be able to right now...as you have probably guessed by finances are not what they should be so therefore lack of money i can spend on MY food. I make sure the other members in the family, like the kids have food, and that pretty much takes the whole budget. So i am hoping one day.

It doesnt cost all that much to be honest. You could do a LOT with some cottage cheese singles, some lettuce and some sunflower seeds. Eating that twice a day with what you NORMALLY eat would make such a huge difference. But don't get me wrong, I get the no money thing FAR BETTER than I'd care to admit!

Basically from where you are calorically ANYTHING would be a step up. What do your kids eat? Maybe that stuff would work for you as well?

Well my oldest who is 5 almost 6 eats really picky. He is autistic so we try to have gluten free. He wont eat meat. He loves pasta, eats a lot of that, and he likes egg salad sanwich, and ceral. But because we get him the best out there it takes alot, and he eats alot and doesnt gain a pound. Hes like me at that age.My one year old eats what me and his dad eats. Plus bottles of course. My hubby eats more than I do because I force him. He needs to though...personall health reasons....so I just kinda flounder and do what I do. I make poor look good

It doesnt cost all that much to be honest. You could do a LOT with some cottage cheese singles, some lettuce and some sunflower seeds. Eating that twice a day with what you NORMALLY eat would make such a huge difference. But don't get me wrong, I get the no money thing FAR BETTER than I'd care to admit!

Basically from where you are calorically ANYTHING would be a step up. What do your kids eat? Maybe that stuff would work for you as well?

Well my oldest who is 5 almost 6 eats really picky. He is autistic so we try to have gluten free. He wont eat meat. He loves pasta, eats a lot of that, and he likes egg salad sanwich, and ceral. But because we get him the best out there it takes alot, and he eats alot and doesnt gain a pound. Hes like me at that age.My one year old eats what me and his dad eats. Plus bottles of course. My hubby eats more than I do because I force him. He needs to though...personall health reasons....so I just kinda flounder and do what I do. I make poor look good

PM me an amount that you think you could use toward food YOU can eat. I dont care if you tell me thats 10 bucks a month, lol, I'll figure something out for ya...

_________________I have flying monkeys and I'm not afraid to use them!

Listen here sonny, there aint no disaster. There aint no shame in bein' beaten by a master!~ Johnny Lang - Rack 'em up

I'm an ectomorph, lol...It's the reason for the massive chip on my shoulder.

Really? Thing is you're going to be thin for EVER and as you get older thats going to be one hell of a good thing. I can post pics of what I was like when I was about your age, I was a buck-sixty at most. Today? Well... add a backstreet boy and thats about where I'm at.

I miss my ectomorphic days :(

_________________I have flying monkeys and I'm not afraid to use them!

Listen here sonny, there aint no disaster. There aint no shame in bein' beaten by a master!~ Johnny Lang - Rack 'em up

I'm an ectomorph, lol...It's the reason for the massive chip on my shoulder.

Really? Thing is you're going to be thin for EVER and as you get older thats going to be one hell of a good thing. I can post pics of what I was like when I was about your age, I was a buck-sixty at most. Today? Well... add a backstreet boy and thats about where I'm at.

I miss my ectomorphic days :(

Lol I just get sick as fork of people bugging me about it.

I swear the next time some normal weight girl bugs me about being thin I'll put her in intensive care.

Ok, I only half meant that.

_________________[quote=Cheeky Monkey, over IM]*poops and smears the shit over my butt cheeks in a sexualized fashion*[/quote]

Sat Nov 06, 2010 7:26 pm

CanadianArmyGuy

Global Moderator

Joined: 10.2010Posts: 1093Location: In the bushes, with the binoculars Gender:Highscores:1

Re: Somatotypes: Understanding your body type...

Winnie's a punk wrote:

Lol I just get sick as fork of people bugging me about it.

I swear the next time some normal weight girl bugs me about being thin I'll put her in intensive care.

Ok, I only half meant that.

If you do happen to give her a half decent throat punch you will become my new favourite person!

_________________Upon being asked what his greatest accomplishment so far this year has been:

Really? Thing is you're going to be thin for EVER and as you get older thats going to be one hell of a good thing. I can post pics of what I was like when I was about your age, I was a buck-sixty at most. Today? Well... add a backstreet boy and thats about where I'm at.

I miss my ectomorphic days :(

Lol I just get sick as fork of people bugging me about it.

I swear the next time some normal weight girl bugs me about being thin I'll put her in intensive care.

Ok, I only half meant that.

In all seriousness, what is "normal weight", ya know? Who's to say? What, just cause you dont have a muffin top and weight 180 pounds you're not "right"?

Tell you what, next time someone gives you shit for being you, you go right ahead and school 'em. Then call me and I'll hide the body for ya *insert evil grin yet AGAIN this evening*

_________________I have flying monkeys and I'm not afraid to use them!

Listen here sonny, there aint no disaster. There aint no shame in bein' beaten by a master!~ Johnny Lang - Rack 'em up

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest

You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot post attachments in this forum